The Martial Genius Who Remembers Everything Novel - Chapter 99

Chapter 99
## Chapter 99. The ‘Third’ Trial of the Hell Regular Exam (2)

“I must admit, I am thoroughly impressed.”

Maeng Ju-won spoke with genuine admiration as he reviewed the paperwork sitting on Jegal So-myeong’s desk.

“…….”

Jegal So-myeong remained silent, deeply curious.

Why was it that while nearly everyone else in Mantongbu was drowning in endless labor, this particular rogue always seemed to have the leisure to meddle in outside affairs?

“Grand Strategist, have you cast your eyes over this yet?”

The scroll Maeng Ju-won held out was a recent dispatch from the regional outpost hosting the third phase of the evaluations. Naturally, Jegal So-myeong had not yet had the chance to look it over.

Jegal So-myeong considered offering a sharp reprimand, but ultimately decided against it.

If this rascal had the freedom to wander, it meant he had already efficiently cleared his entire backlog of responsibilities.

“What exactly am I looking at?”

“A missive directly from the Murim Alliance’s Nanyue Branch.”

It figured.

Lately, Maeng Ju-won had developed an absolute obsession with tracking every movement of Jin So-un.

“Is this yet another update regarding Jin So-un?”

“Not precisely. It pertains to the violent disturbance that took place on the Puyang Plain.”

“Did the Heavenly Eye Pavilion not already submit a full account of that matter?”

“This contains the deeper, unrevealed reality behind the chaos. Are you truly telling me you have no desire to read it?”

“……Hand it over.”

Jegal So-myeong abruptly abandoned the files he was reviewing and stood up from his chair. Was it truly possible for a detailed debrief to reach them with such speed?

The commander of the Nanyue Branch was known to have deep ties to the Righteous Path Association.

Had the information been of vital strategic weight, protocol dictated he route it through the Righteous Path Association rather than delivering it to Mantongbu.

Consequently, Jegal So-myeong assumed the true nature of the event would remain obscured until the Murim Alliance dispatched an official tribunal, yet the intelligence was already in his hands.

“Just as we suspected, a hidden architect was pulling the strings.”

“A hidden architect?”

Snatching the parchment from Maeng Ju-won, Jegal So-myeong scanned the characters rapidly.

The document was flawlessly detailed, mapping out the precise timeline, a coherent narrative of the underlying scheme, and a vivid reconstruction of the battlefield—a level of thoroughness rarely seen in administrative intelligence these days.

“The authorship is credited to a young noblewoman named Namgung Seon-hwa.”

If it was Namgung Seon-hwa, the quality made perfect sense. The administrative standards maintained by the Namgung Clan were virtually identical to the formal protocols of the Murim Alliance.

“Sorcery born of shadows and obscurity?”

As he read further, however, the claims became increasingly difficult to accept at face value.

“Is it possible our earlier hypotheses were entirely accurate?”

“Hmm…….”

One could not blindly accept such wild claims based purely on text. Extravagant descriptions of that nature often pointed to the influence of Bewildering Soul Incense or shared sensory distortions.

“The closing notes indicate that tangible corroboration is being forwarded via an express courier.”

A bizarre cadaver featuring petrified, midnight-dark skin resembling a beast’s hide, with a blade protruding directly from its palm.

It was an image difficult to reconstruct clearly in one’s mind through words alone.

Jegal So-myeong tilted his head in confusion as his eyes traced the final paragraphs.

“Why on earth would they direct this critical evidence to Mantongbu?”

If these findings were authentic and carried monumental weight, there was no logical reason for the Nanyue Branch Chief to forfeit the prestige of presenting them.

By funneling such vital evidence straight to the central authorities via the Righteous Path Association, he could have elevated his personal standing while expanding the political leverage of the Righteous Path Association itself.

“Ha, has the cosmos suddenly inverted its order?”

The decision was so entirely irrational that he wondered if the local leadership had collectively lost their senses.

At that point, Maeng Ju-won offered a knowing smirk.

“You are misreading the situation, Grand Strategist.”

“In what way?”

“Look closely at the stipulations. It explicitly notes that our So-un demanded a fee of ten gold taels, does it not?”

Jegal So-myeong couldn’t suppress a brief chuckle recalling that specific detail.

That particular Nanyue Branch Chief had clearly been backed into a corner by Jin So-un’s clever maneuvering.

Still, Jegal So-myeong found the inclusion of monetary transactions within a matter of grave security for the Murim Alliance to be distasteful.

“Examine the text further. Did he not mandate that those exact ten gold taels be allocated to support the casualties and grieving families of the Puyang Plain?”

“Indeed.”

“Does that not reveal that this entire orchestration was designed specifically to favor Mantongbu?”

“…….”

Jegal So-myeong stared at Maeng Ju-won as though the man were spinning drunken delusions.

“Those ten gold taels are hardly funds the Nanyue Branch Chief could pocket for personal amusement, correct?”

“Naturally not.”

“Therefore, the treasury must account for them as official institutional expenditures. To legitimize that, they are forced to log an accurate, unblemished record of the event through standard channels, yes?”

dishonesty.

“If I were in his position, I would have engineered the exact same scenario to ensure the truth couldn’t be buried by corrupt intermediaries. It is classic So-un.”

The logic held together surprisingly well, though it felt as if the interpretation was far grander than the reality of the boy’s spontaneous actions.

Regardless of the motive, possessing the physical remains meant they could dramatically accelerate their investigation into the architect behind the curtain.

It was becoming impossible to deny that the entire landscape was shifting simply because Jin So-un was walking through it.

“Grand Strategist, this is no time for bureaucratic complacency. Shouldn’t we take immediate steps to permanently induct our So-un into Mantongbu?”

Maeng Ju-won’s tone carried a rare, genuine edge of anxiety. It was an expressive display of worry he had never once exhibited during his routine duties.

“What if those unrefined brutes in the third trial strike him poorly and cause lasting trauma to his intellect? And what follows that? When he enters the terrifying ordeal of the Great Journey of Avici Screams, can our So-un truly survive unharmed……?”

“Listen to me.”

“Ah! Forgive me. I have completely finalized my assigned ledger for the day. Furthermore, I proactively cleared the secondary projects you had yet to officially assign me, Grand Strategist.”

“…….”

Maeng Ju-won cut off any potential reprimand flawlessly, offering Jegal So-myeong a brilliant, untroubled grin.

Jegal So-myeong angled his head slightly, giving him a flat look.

“Your lack of deference is becoming magnificent.”

“Pardon?”

—

“Brother! I was certain you would arrive today.”

Stepping into the compound of the Murim Alliance’s Nanyue Branch, Jin So-un’s companions were instantly greeted by a very familiar figure.

“Jae-hwa?”

“The very same! I am right here, Brother!”

Murong Jae-hwa bounded forward with immense enthusiasm, behaving as though he were reuniting with a beloved sibling after years of separation.

Demonstrating the easy camaraderie he had cultivated during his tenure at the Taeul Sect, he smoothly pivoted to exchange warm greetings with the Gold, Silver, and Bronze brothers as well.

“Hey, are we completely invisible to you?”

At the sharp, abrasive interjection from Seong Mo-ran, Murong Jae-hwa stiffened up in alarm and spun around to face them.

“Ah! Sister Mo-ran, Sister Seon-hwa?”

“It seems a brief period of independence has entirely dissolved your manners.”

As Namgung Seon-hwa and Seong Mo-ran—who clearly shared a lengthy history with Murong Jae-hwa—began to playfully berate him, the young warrior looked thoroughly cornered.

“Well…… that is to say.”

Murong Jae-hwa spoke with immense caution, carefully reading the expressions of the two young martial artists.

“Is it true that neither of you managed to secure a passing mark in the first trial and second trial?”

“What?”

“What could you possibly mean by that?”

Faced with their simultaneous inquiries, Murong Jae-hwa’s expression twisted into utter bewilderment.

“Am I to understand you are actually here to participate in the third trial?”

“Naturally. What sort of incompetent do you take your senior sister for?”

“Jae-hwa, my capabilities are not so easily questioned.”

The pair answered with absolute nonchalance. Murong Jae-hwa’s countenance sank into deeper disbelief.

“While looking like that?”

“…….”

“…….”

The parameters of the third trial within the Murim Regular Exam were strictly centered around martial dueling.

Candidates who had survived the first trial and second trial were pooled together to formally challenge one another, with the victor of each bout walking away with the coveted Third Trial Token.

Every individual possessing the martial prowess to survive the opening rounds would normally be treating these duels with the grim intensity of a blood feud. Yet, Namgung Seon-hwa and Seong Mo-ran appeared entirely pristine, as though they were merely taking a leisurely stroll through a garden, prompts his stunned observation.

“Wh-What are you implying, Jae-hwa? This is entirely my standard appearance.”

“Is that so? Then why does it seem…….”

“Surely your memory hasn’t failed you? I maintained this exact composure back when we were undergoing rigorous training together.”

The pleasant smile that typically graced Namgung Seon-hwa’s features twitched almost imperceptibly. Step by step, she closed the distance to Murong Jae-hwa and rested a delicate hand firmly upon his forearm.

An immediate, excruciating wave of agony pierced through him, forcing Murong Jae-hwa to yell out.

“Aaargh!”

“My goodness, whatever is the matter? Did you happen to sustain a hidden trauma during the first trial or second trial?”

Murong Jae-hwa gaped at Namgung Seon-hwa with wide, terrified eyes, the sensation in his arm feeling as though the muscle was being systematically unraveled.

> *Listen to me carefully! Do you possess a death wish?*

Suddenly, a resonant voice exploded directly within Murong Jae-hwa’s consciousness.

The internal warning via Sound Transmission belonged undeniably to Seong Mo-ran.

> *If you maintain that absurdly shocked expression, everyone will realize something is amiss.*

Murong Jae-hwa swiftly cast his gaze toward the dirt.

> *If you let a single unscripted word slip past your lips, this will be your reality.*

Standing positioned just behind Jin So-un, Seong Mo-ran slowly dragged her thumb across her own neck in a universal, menacing gesture.

While Murong Jae-hwa remained entirely blind to the underlying reasons for their bizarre behavior, he recognized that his immediate preservation depended on changing the topic at once.

“B-Brother, your arrival signifies you are here to complete your official registration, yes?”

“Hmm? Quite so. Though I must ask, why are you perspiring so heavily?”

“Ah, haha! I-Well, it simply stems from the overwhelming joy of encountering so many cherished companions all at once after such a lengthy separation.”

The matchings for the third trial were dictated by a system where early arrivals could handpick their adversaries from the pool of latecomers. It was precisely this rule that had driven Jin So-un’s companions to maintain a grueling pace since dawn.

“The turnout is remarkably dense for the opening hours.”

“A significant portion of the applicants arrived last night to secure their positioning.”

True to Murong Jae-hwa’s observation, warriors representing an array of distinguished clans were gathered in distinct clusters across the expansive central training grounds of the Nanyue Branch.

In the sparser sections, small cells of three or four conversed quietly, while the most populated zones held hundreds of gathered fighters.

“The first faction to establish their presence was the Shaolin.”

Roughly a score of monks with gleaming, shaved heads were intently scrutinizing every single martial artist who set foot inside the courtyard.

They were systematically scanning for ideal targets to challenge.

“And what of your own prospects? Have you selected a target?”

“I am currently holding back, as a perfectly advantageous opponent has yet to present themselves.”

Seong Mo-ran delivered a swift, chastising swat to the crown of Murong Jae-hwa’s head.

“Cease overthinking trivial matters and simply engage whoever stands closest. Their martial depth is uniform regardless.”

“Sister, that reckless mindset is precisely why you always…… Ah, disregard that. Regardless, you are well aware that this stage mandates a far more calculated mental game than any prior phase.”

“Is that group over yonder not from Wudang?”

Emblazoned clearly upon the formal martial attire of the combatants congregating near the enrollment pavilion were the matching white cloud insignias unique to the Wudang Sect.

“The Wudang usually focus their operations within Shaanxi Province. What could have driven them to this location?”

“That is the very puzzle perplexing everyone. Hubei Province is already a cutthroat battleground owing entirely to the Shaolin’s dominance, and now Wudang has thrown its weight into the mix as well.”

The core group consisted of five individuals who bore the unmistakable markings of active examinees.

Their bearing and presence suggested an entirely different echelon of mastery compared to the surrounding competitors.

“Oh? Have they managed to lock in their designated opponents already?”

“This defies logic. We are barely into the opening day, meaning a vast number of potential candidates have yet to even present their credentials.”

The vanguard of Wudang Sect disciples turned as a single unit and began walking away from the central courtyard.

“Young Master Jin, Young Master Jin!”

Seong Mo-ran hissed in an urgent undertone, shifting closer to Jin So-un.

“What is the matter?”

“Cast your eyes downward immediately.”

“Excuse me?”

“Young Master Jin, your natural gaze possesses a rather confrontational edge. You risk gravely insulting the Wudang if you stare.”

“…….”

“In the arena of the third trial, the supreme strategy dictates securing a conflict against a distinctly inferior opponent at all costs.”

“…….”

Right at that moment, the young martial artist leading the Wudang Sect contingent froze in his tracks, turning his focus squarely toward Jin So-un’s gathering.

Confronted by this sudden shift in trajectory, Geum-pyo and Murong Jae-hwa, who had been watching idly, tensed up with startle.

“Wh-What is the meaning of this?”

“Are they intending to re-enter the grounds?”

“Could they perhaps possess some prior acquaintance with Sister Namgung Seon-hwa or Sister Seong Mo-ran?”

Geum-pyo threw an inquiring glance toward the two women, but they offered nothing more than a brief, synchronized shake of their heads.

The young vanguard who had closed the distance to Jin So-un’s group surveyed the collective faces before locking his eyes directly onto Jin So-un.

“I presume I am addressing Jin So-un.”

“…….”

“I am known as Hyeon Su of the Wudang Sect.”

Jin So-un remained entirely mystified as to why this prominent disciple of Wudang was suddenly confronting him by name.

“I am the Senior Brother to Hyeoncheong.”

“Is that so?”

When Jin So-un delivered that entirely flat, unbothered reply, a subtle twitch marred Hyeon Su’s brow.

“Hyeoncheong aligned himself with the Mount Hua Sect’s Yeon U-mun with the explicit intent of tracking your movements.”

In lockstep with Hyeon Su, the remaining examinees from the Wudang Sect moved forward, flanking their leader with synchronized precision.

Every single one of them exuded the suffocating, latent pressure of rising dragons.

“Yet, all communication from my Martial Brother has ceased entirely, while you walk freely into this courtyard.”

“And your point is?”

Hyeon Su’s brow twitched violently once more.

“……I demand an account of what transpired.”

Jin So-un cocked his head slightly, his tone dripping with cool curiosity.

“Did your master fail to instruct you that requests require a modicum of civility?”

The expressions of Hyeon Su and his accompanying Wudang disciples transformed into masks of rigid fury.

“Did you truly anticipate a cooperative response when your very first interaction consists of throwing unrefined commands at a stranger?”

“……Hyeoncheong is far more than a fellow disciple; he is a brother bound to me by blood.”

“Then your approach should have carried a profound level of respect. How can you display such arrogant discourtesy when inquiring about the fate of an individual who set out with the express purpose of ending my life?”

With every syllable that fell from Jin So-un’s lips, the Gold, Silver, and Bronze brothers systematically took small, imperceptible steps backward, distancing themselves from him.

Namgung Seon-hwa and Seong Mo-ran likewise found themselves unable to navigate the mounting tension, opting to quietly drift away as well. Conversely, only Murong Jae-hwa instinctively closed the gap, stepping into the vacated space beside him.

“Reasoning with an individual of your character is an exercise in futility.”

At Hyeon Su’s low, disappointed exhalation, the remaining disciples bared their teeth, their eyes flashing with lethal intent.

Nevertheless, unlike the unrefined mercenaries beyond the branch perimeter, they exercised immense restraint, refraining from an overt display of internal energy.

“Ultimately, circumstances will compel you to yield the truth.”

Leaving that parting vow hanging in the air, Hyeon Su and the rest of the Wudang Sect cohort turned and exited the main training grounds.

Seong Mo-ran, who had been holding her breath in anticipation of violence, released a massive sigh of relief.

“What possesses your mind to invite such danger? I literally just warned you. Are you truly that ravenous for a brutal confrontation?”

“Hardly. In truth, I would vastly prefer to avoid unnecessary conflict entirely.”

“Then why orchestrate such a provocative scene?”

“If I refrain from establishing these boundaries now, they will undoubtedly subject my junior martial brothers, as well as the rest of the Taeul Sect, to that exact brand of arrogance going forward, will they not? If that is the alternative, it is far more efficient that I assume the burden of the conflict myself.”

“…… shreds of respect.”

Absorbing Jin So-un’s rationale, Seong Mo-ran observed him with a deeply complicated expression.

“Now then, let us proceed to the registry before the lines swell.”

“R-Right.”

The immediate perimeter surrounding the enrollment pavilion remained tranquil.

The volume of examinees who had officially marked their arrival at the outpost remained scarce, and a significant portion intentionally withheld their names to engage in an intricate game of psychological maneuvering.

Once every member of Jin So-un’s contingent had finalized their paperwork, Jin So-un addressed the presiding Scholar Alliance Member.

“We intend to delay our selection of opponents until we have monitored the incoming arrivals.”

“Hmm?”

The Scholar Alliance Member ran a finger down the active ledgers, then offered a slow shake of his head.

“The candidates representing the Taeul Sect have already had their parameters entirely locked in.”

“What did you say?”

“I am informing you that an entire faction finalized their registration against your names and departed the compound the very moment you crossed the threshold.”

“How is that even possible……. We literally just arrived……”

Eun-ho tried to press further, but the words died in his throat.

“Identify the challengers.”

At Jin So-un’s flat command, the Scholar Alliance Member rotated the official ledger across the desktop, presenting the documented pairings directly to the group.

“This cannot be……”

The collective could only stare in paralyzed shock at the inscribed schedule.

—

### ● Third Trial Matchups

* **Wudang Sect’s Hyeon Su** vs. **Taeul Sect’s Jin So-un**
* **Wudang Sect’s Hyeon Myeong** vs. **Taeul Sect’s Geum-pyo**
* **Wudang Sect’s Hyeon Hyang** vs. **Taeul Sect’s Eun-ho**
* **Wudang Sect’s Hyeon Jin** vs. **Taeul Sect’s Dong-ryong**